Geelong defender Aaron Black has had his hopes of cementing a spot in the Cats' backline dashed when he hurt his knee during the third quarter against North Melbourne.

The 27-year-old's knee looked to hyper-extend the knee when he landed after flying for a mark and called for the trainers immediately.

He was carried from the ground and went straight up the race however he returned after five minutes to sit out the rest of the game on the bench.

Black was playing just his third game for the season having replaced the injured Harry Taylor in his first season playing in defence.

The former Kangaroos forward has played 56 games since making his debut in 2011 with injuries plaguing him throughout his career.